In a significant show of solidarity from the Hindi film industry, actor Hrithik Roshan has publicly backed education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike to protest the alleged leak of the NEET exam papers. Hrithik became the most high-profile Bollywood figure to join a growing list of celebrities, including Sonakshi Sinha, Kiran Rao, Shabana Azmi, and Naseeruddin Shah, who have spoken out against systemic failures in India's examination system.
Sonam Wangchuk, known primarily for his pioneering work in education and sustainable development in Ladakh, began his protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar three weeks ago. On Saturday morning, he was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after his health deteriorated—a move the police said was in compliance with orders from the Delhi High Court. Wangchuk's fast has drawn national attention to the recurring issue of exam paper leaks, which he argues have devastating consequences for millions of students and the integrity of the nation's future professionals.
Hrithik Roshan's Statement Resonates
Late Friday night, Hrithik Roshan took to social media to share a video posted by actress Lisa Ray, in which Wangchuk can be heard questioning public silence over the alleged leaks. Hrithik wrote, “This sounds true. I learnt about the trauma students go through when I played a teacher in one of my movies.” The actor's comment referenced his role in the film Super 30, where he portrayed mathematician Anand Kumar, who coached underprivileged students for the IIT entrance exams. That experience gave Hrithik a firsthand understanding of the immense pressure and emotional toll that competitive examinations impose on young minds.
In the viral video, Wangchuk detailed how over 20 students have allegedly taken their own lives following exam irregularities. He argued that those who cheat their way into medical and engineering colleges will become the doctors and engineers who treat patients and build homes, posing a direct threat to public safety. “If we don’t take action today, we are condemned to keep dying like animals,” Wangchuk warned. His words have struck a chord with many citizens and public figures who feel the government has not done enough to address the root causes of such leaks.
Sonakshi Sinha's Bold Stand
A day earlier, actress Sonakshi Sinha had issued an emotional video message, admitting that she had never made a public statement like this before. “I can’t stay silent any longer,” she said, acknowledging Wangchuk's contributions to the country—from his educational initiatives in Ladakh to his internationally recognized innovations like the ice stupa (a method for artificially creating glaciers). Sinha emphasized that Wangchuk is fighting for the future of children, a future he believes is being “pushed towards ruin” by corrupt practices.
Her father, veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha, expressed immense pride in his daughter's courage. Taking to social media, he wrote, “Save Wangchuk! Pride of my family, my darling daughter SonakshiSinha makes me more proud today, by coming out boldly, openly with her timely response.” Shatrughan also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the concerned authorities to “intervene immediately” and fulfill Wangchuk's demands to end the protest before it becomes life-threatening.
Background: Who Is Sonam Wangchuk?
Sonam Wangchuk is not just an activist—he is a visionary educator and engineer who has been championing systemic reforms for decades. Born in 1966 in Ladakh, he founded the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) in 1988, which transformed the region's failing school system. His innovative “hands-on” learning methods and focus on local languages and culture have been widely acclaimed. Wangchuk also developed the ice stupa technique, a form of artificial glacier that stores winter water for use in the arid summer months, earning him the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2016.
His involvement in the NEET issue comes after years of monitoring the Indian education system's vulnerabilities. The NEET-UG exam, a gateway for medical admissions, has been plagued by a series of leaks in recent years. In 2024, a major leak led to widespread protests, but many activists argue that the government has not implemented robust solutions. Wangchuk's current demand is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom he holds accountable for the failure to prevent repeated leaks.
The Broader Bollywood Response
While Hrithik Roshan and Sonakshi Sinha have been most vocal, other industry figures have also expressed concern. Kiran Rao and Shabana Azmi have shared messages of support, and Naseeruddin Shah once again used his platform to highlight the need for accountability. However, as Swara Bhasker recently pointed out in an interview, many in Bollywood remain silent out of fear of political backlash. “They saw what happened to me,” Bhasker said, alluding to the online trolling and career impact she faced after voicing her political opinions.
This selective silence has not gone unnoticed. Critics argue that if Bollywood truly cares about the youth of India, it must speak out against systemic dysfunction beyond entertainment. The NEET leaks are not an isolated incident; similar scandals have occurred in the JEE and UGC NET exams, undermining the credibility of the entire system.
What the Protest Demands
Sonam Wangchuk's demands are clear: the resignation of the education minister, a full judicial inquiry into the leak, and the implementation of a tamper-proof examination framework. He has also called for a national conversation on reforming the high-stakes exam culture that pushes students to extremes. On day 21 of his hunger strike, his health has become a major concern. Supporters have been gathering at Jantar Mantar daily, and many have fasted in solidarity.
The Delhi Police's decision to move Wangchuk to the hospital, while citing court orders, has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a necessary medical intervention, while others believe it is an attempt to mute his protest. Wangchuk's team has stated that the strike will continue until his demands are met, even if he is hospitalized.
As the story unfolds, the support from Hrithik Roshan—one of the most influential actors in India—could amplify the pressure on the government to act. The question now is whether this growing chorus of voices will translate into tangible policy changes, or whether the issue will fade away once the media cycle moves on.
Source:The Indian Express News